For the Atkins Red Devils to have the offensive performance like they want, AHS coach Charlie Sorrels knows the running game is going to have to be a big factor.

The rushing attack was just that last in the 42-21 win Friday night over Shiloh Christian.

Sophomore Terrance Bobo led the way for the Red Devils with 32 carries for 182 yards and three touchdowns. That came as a fill-in job for senior Jonathan Cathey, who suffered a shoulder injury in the first week of the season and didn't see much action on offense in last Friday's win.

Seeing the performances from all the running backs gave Sorrels and the Atkins coaches, as well as the players, a good feeling.

"It was very satisfying as a coaching staff and as a football team that the gameplan worked," Sorrels said. "We knew we had to have a good rushing game. Terrance Bobo stepped up big and had an outstanding game. Brandon Dodd did well also, but I can't say enough about the offensive line. They did a great job blocking all game."

Sorrels knows the importance of having a good game from the offensive line. Accomplishing that helps the offense execute what it needs to do.

What was the result of such an instance?

"This was one of the best overall team performances I've seen in a long time," Sorrels said, adding the defense played a big part in the win as well.

Having depth and the luxury of being able to have players step in for others and have a big game is something Sorrels said the Red Devils enjoy. Having a sophomore who can fit into that may be somewhat of a surprise to some, but Sorrels said Bobo's performance wasn't too unexpected.

"We weren't surprised (by Bobo)," Sorrels said. "We had faith in what he could do. With our offensive line, we felt like we could do well. We felt like they (Shiloh Christian) were suspect to the run, but you can't ever anticipate a performance like that (Bobo's)."

Not only does having depth in the backfield help in the offensive gameplan, it also helps the team gain confidence.

"It gave us worlds of confidence," Sorrels said. "We know with the speed we have with our backs and the way our offensive line can play, we can be successful.

"We haven't been healthy yet this year. This (Friday's game) was what we wanted to do all year - keep fresh backs in. Very seldom do we have this many backs that can carry the football. It puts pressure on defenses because they can't just key in on one guy."

With Cathey, Bobo and Dodd all capable of carrying the bulk of the load at the running-back position, Sorrels knows the offense can do well at any time, even if in different ways.

"What I like about these backs is that all three are unique in their own way," the Red Devil coach said. "They all have their own style of running."

Sorrels added these three are not the only quality running backs on the team. Players such as Logan Duvall and others help Atkins have a deep backfield.

"We want to try to take advantage of our depth and hopefully have fresh legs in the fourth quarter," Sorrels said.

Even though the running backs pick up the statistics and take most of the spotlight, Sorrels said it all starts with the offensive line.

"We know they're (offensive line) going to have to block like that, or we're not going to be successful," he said.